Let's Write a Textbook

What is the source?

• Tony Gardiner, Let's Write a Textbook, MA Conference, Keele, 11 April 2012.

What's the big idea?

The traditional textbook, independent of exam specification seems to be endagered. In this seminar we consider how we might write a textbook from an axiomatic standpoint.

What is their background?

Tony Gardiner ... holds the position of Reader in Mathematics and Mathematics Education at the University of Birmingham. He was responsible for the foundation of the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust in 1996. See his Wikipedia entry here.

What are they saying?

Let's start with some axioms:

1. We should develop a syllabus-independent mathematics text
2. We should avoid or minimise differentiation for as long as possible to aim for a common foundation
   • where differentiation is needed is to allow for different depths of study, not different topics
3. We should devise a simple scheme to guide authors on what is being written for whom (for pupils? for teachers?)
4. Focus on mathematical progression and didacticts. (What comes before what? Why? In what form?)

Where can I learn more?

If you have any suitable links to related texts, web sites or other sources, put them here.

What next?

Explain what relevance this has to us:

• How will this change your practice?
• What do you or we need to do differently to make use of this idea?
• How will it improve learning?

Pay particular attention to the last question: if you can't see how it improves learning, say so.